Thermochemical properties of energy crop species planted in Slovakia

BioResources ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 764-778
Author(s):  
Andrea Majlingová ◽  
Martin Lieskovský ◽  
Milan Oravec ◽  
Marek Trenčiansky ◽  
Rastislav Veľas
Keyword(s):  
Activation Energy ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Arundo Donax ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Energy Crop ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Miscanthus Giganteus

In the last decades, a new phenomenon has arisen in connection with temporary or permanent non-use of land for agricultural activity, namely the cultivation of energy crops in these localities, because of growing demand for biomass as a fuel. Farmers are expected to sell energy crops and the fuels they produce, both at home and in the surrounding countries. To choose economically efficient energy crop species to cultivate, the thermochemical parameters of the crop should be used to support decision-making process of farmers. This paper summarizes the results of small-scale laboratory tests of three energy crop species planted in Slovakia – Sida hermaphrodita, Arundo donax, and Miscanthus × giganteus – used for determination of thermal and chemical properties of the energy crop species to evaluate their suitability for energy purposes. The most suitable species for energy purposes was found to be Miscanthus × giganteus with higher heating value of 19.6 MJ/kg, lower heating value of 14.8 MJ/kg (at moisture content of 17%), and ash mass of 2.67% dry mass (d.m.). From a lignin mass and activation energy point of view, the most suitable for energy purposes was Arundo donax, with a lignin mass of 20.5% d.m. and an activation energy of 124.2 kJ/mol.

scholarly journals Biomass valorisation of Arundo donax L., Miscanthus × giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita for biofuel production

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tajana Krička ◽  
Ana Matin ◽  
Nikola Bilandžija ◽  
Vanja Jurišić ◽  
Alan Antonović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lignin Content ◽  
Arundo Donax ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Miscanthus Giganteus ◽  
Solid Biofuels ◽  
Solid Biofuel ◽  
Biomass Valorisation ◽  
Lower Heating ◽  
The Eu

Abstract In the context of the growing demand for biomass, which is being encouraged by the EU directives on the promotion of the use of renewable energy, recent investigations have been increasingly focused on fast-growing energy crops. The aim of this study was to investigate the energy properties of three types of agricultural energy crops: Arundo donax L., Miscanthus × giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita. This investigation looked into the content of non-combustible and combustible matter, higher and lower heating values, lignocellulose content, and biomass macro-elements. The results indicate that the energy values of these crops are comparable, while their lignocellulose content shows significant variations. Thus, Arundo donax L. can best be utilised as solid biofuel due to its highest lignin content, while Miscanthus × giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita L. can be used for both liquid and solid biofuels production. As far as Arundo donax L. is concerned, a higher ash level should be taken into consideration.

Reuse of constructed wetland effluents for irrigation of energy crops

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (9) ◽  
pp. 1465-1472 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Barbagallo ◽  
A. C. Barbera ◽  
G. L. Cirelli ◽  
M. Milani ◽  
A. Toscano
Keyword(s):  
Constructed Wetland ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Arundo Donax ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Miscanthus Giganteus ◽  
Italian Law ◽  
Microbiological Parameters

The aim of this study was to evaluate biomass production of promising ‘no-food’ energy crops, Vetiveria zizanoides (L.) Nash, Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu. and Arundo donax (L.), irrigated with low quality water at different evapotranspiration restitutions. Two horizontal subsurface flow (H-SSF) constructed wetland (CW) beds, with different operation life (12 and 6 years), were used to treat secondary municipal wastewaters for crop irrigation. Water chemical, physical and microbiological parameters as well as plant bio-agronomic characters were evaluated. The results confirm the high reliability of CWs for tertiary wastewater treatment given that the H-SSF1 treatment capacity remained largely unchanged after 12 years of operation. Average total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen removal for CWs were about 68, 58 and 71%, respectively. The Escherichia coli removal was satisfactory, about 3.3 log unit for both CW beds on average, but caution should be taken as this parameter did not achieve the restrictive Italian law limits for wastewater reuse. The average above-ground dry matter productions were 7 t ha−1 for Vetiveria zizanoides, 24 t ha−1 for Miscanthus × giganteus and 50 t ha−1 for Arundo donax. These results highlight attractive biomass yield by using treated wastewater for irrigation with a complete restitution of evapotranspiration losses.

scholarly journals Experimental study on microwave torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 ◽  
pp. 02008
Author(s):  
Monika Kosowska-Golachowska ◽  
Aneta Magdziarz ◽  
Paweł Janus ◽  
Dariusz Urbaniak
Keyword(s):  
Lignocellulosic Biomass ◽  
Microwave Power ◽  
Power Level ◽  
Energy Crop ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Mass Yield ◽  
Agricultural Residue ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Miscanthus Giganteus ◽  
Microwave Power Level

This paper presents preliminary research of lignocellulosic biomass torrefaction by using microwave heating. The experimental setup was developed using a microwave oven with 2.45 GHz frequency. The torrefaction effect was studied by varying the microwave power level (160-480 W) and reaction time (5-30 min). The two Polish biomass feedstock, agricultural residue (wheat straw) and energy crop (Miscanthus giganteus) were used in this study. Fuel properties like H/C and O/C ratio were assessed from elemental composition. Mass yield and energy yield of the torrefied fuels were also determined. It was found that higher microwave power levels contributed to higher heating rate and reaction temperature, and thus produced the torrefied biomass with higher heating value and lower H/C and O/C ratios.

scholarly journals Thermogravimetric Kinetics of Selected Energy Crops Pyrolysis

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3977
Author(s):  
Magdalena Matusiak ◽  
Radosław Ślęzak ◽  
Stanisław Ledakowicz
Keyword(s):  
Activation Energy ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Pyrolysis Kinetics ◽  
Heating Rates ◽  
Exponential Factor ◽  
Miscanthus Giganteus ◽  
Temperature Ranges ◽  
The Given ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Derivative Thermogravimetry

The main purpose of this paper was to compare the pyrolysis kinetics of three types of energy crops: Miscanthus giganteus, Sida hermaphrodita, and Sorghum Moench. Studies were conducted in thermobalance. Feedstock samples were heated up from ambient temperature to 600 °C under an inert argon atmosphere. Three heating rates of β = 5, 10, and 20 °C/min were applied. Reactions occurring in the given temperature ranges were grouped together into so-called lumps identified by the deconvolution of derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) curves that corresponded to biomass compositions (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin). For the estimation of the activation energy and pre-exponential factor, the Friedman and Ozawa–Flynn–Wall methods were used. The final kinetic parameters were determined by nonlinear regression assuming that thermal decomposition proceeded via three parallel independent reactions of the nth order. The activation energy of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin was determined to be in the range of 92.9–97.7, 190.1–192.5, and 170–175.2 kJ/mol, respectively. The reaction order was in the range of 3.35–3.99 for hemicellulose, 1.38–1.93 for cellulose, and 3.97–3.99 for lignin. The obtained results allow us to estimate the pyrolytic potential of energy crops selected for this study, and can be used in designing efficient pyrolizers for these materials.

scholarly journals Impact of energy crops on the quality of ecosystem services of Luvic Chernic Phaozem

2021 ◽  
pp. 64-71
Author(s):  
Ya. N. Vodiak ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Carbon Content ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Energy Crop ◽  
Stem Length ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Miscanthus Giganteus

The article presents the results of research on the impact of energy crops on the quality of such ecosystem services of Luvic Chernic Phaozem as providing, regulating and supporting. The observation was conducted during 2019-2020 in the SE "Experimental Farm "Grakivske", Novyi Korotych village in Kharkiv region of Ukraine. Energy perennial crops grown in the experiment: Miscanthus giganteus (plantings 2016 (I) and 2019 (II) years); Sida hermophrodita (2018); Silphium perfoliatum L. (2018). Control variables: determination of soil organic carbon content; pH level; number of microarthropods in the soil; plant stem length. An increase in organic carbon content was found in the upper soil layers beneath energy crop plants, especially in the root zone of Sylphium. Due to the root excretions of the crops a slight decrease in pH is also observed in all the variants compared to the control. A positive effect of the plants is also observed on the numbers of soil invertebrates – microarthropods, namely columbines and oribatids. The increase in their numbers indicates the formation of favorable conditions for these living creatures, in the root zone of all energy crops. For example, in May 2019 compared to the control (2706 ex. / m2) under four-year-old Miscanthus almost tripled (6126 ex. / m2), under annual Miscanthus – 4860 ex. / m2, under Sylphium – 5040 ex. / m2, and under Sida – 4320 ex. / m2. Positive changes in soil structure under the influence of Miscanthus giganteus cultivation, especially in the upper layer, were also noted. The coefficient of structure on the variants increased from 1.39 on the control, to 2.26 in layer 0-20 under Miscanthus. Measurements of stem height, showed that all of the selected crops were able to function normally despite reduced rainfall and increased temperatures in recent years. The plants are not depressed under drought conditions and only increase their biomass over time. Thus, the results indicate an overall improvement in the quality of soil ecosystem services in energy crop plantations. In particular, provisioning services – obtaining energy raw materials; regulating services – improving soil quality; and ecosystem services – depositing organic carbon, are improved.

New energy crop giant cane (Arundo donax L.) can substitute traditional energy crops increasing biogas yield and reducing costs

2015 ◽  
Vol 191 ◽  
pp. 197-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Corno ◽  
Roberto Pilu ◽  
Fulvia Tambone ◽  
Barbara Scaglia ◽  
Fabrizio Adani
Keyword(s):  
Arundo Donax ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Energy Crop ◽  
Biogas Yield ◽  
Giant Cane ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
Arundo Donax L

scholarly journals Potential of Biochar Derived from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8147
Author(s):  
Sasiwimol Khawkomol ◽  
Rattikan Neamchan ◽  
Thunchanok Thongsamer ◽  
Soydoa Vinitnantharat ◽  
Boonma Panpradit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Agricultural Residues ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Coconut Husk ◽  
High Heating Value ◽  
Horizontal Drum ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

A horizontal drum kiln is a traditional method widely used in Southeast Asian countries for producing biochar. An understanding of temperature conditions in the kiln and its influence on biochar properties is crucial for identifying suitable biochar applications. In this study, four agricultural residues (corncob, coconut husk, coconut shell, and rice straw) were used for drum kiln biochar production. The agricultural residues were turned into biochar within 100–200 min, depending on their structures. The suitability of biochar for briquette fuels was analyzed using proximate, ultimate, and elemental analysis. The biochar’s physical and chemical properties were characterized via bulk density, iodine number, pHpzc, SEM, and FTIR measurements. All biochars had low O/C and H/C ratios and negative charge from both carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. Coconut husk and shell biochar had desirable properties such as high heating value and a high amount of surface functional groups which can interact with nutrients in soil. These biochars are thus suitable for use for a variety of purposes including as biofuels, adsorbents, and as soil amendments.

scholarly journals Combustion Study of Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers and Diesel Blend Fuels on an Optical Engine

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4608
Author(s):  
Jingjing He ◽  
Hao Chen ◽  
Xin Su ◽  
Bin Xie ◽  
Quanwei Li
Keyword(s):  
Soot Formation ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Optical Engine ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Combustion Duration ◽  
Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers ◽  
Lower Heating Value ◽  
Lower Heating

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODE) are a newly appeared promising oxygenated alternative that can greatly reduce soot emissions of diesel engines. The combustion characteristics of the PODE and diesel blends (the blending ratios of PODE are 0%, 20%, 50% and 100% by volume, respectively) are investigated based on an optical engine under the injection timings of 6, 9, 12 and 15-degree crank angles before top dead center and injection pressures of 100 MPa, 120 MPa and 140 MPa in this study. The results show that both the ignition delay and combustion duration of the fuels decrease with the increasing of PODE ratio in the blends. However, in the case of the fuel supply of the optical engine being fixed, the heat release rate, cylinder pressure and temperature of the blend fuels decrease with the PODE addition due to the low lower heating value of PODE. The addition of PODE in diesel can significantly reduce the integrated natural flame luminosity and the soot formation under all injection conditions. When the proportion of the PODE addition is 50% and 100%, the chemical properties of the blends play a leading role in soot formation, while the change of the injection conditions have an inconspicuous effect on it. When the proportion of the PODE addition is 20%, the blend shows excellent characteristics in a comprehensive evaluation of combustion and soot reduction.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document